Printers say energy crisis needs legislation

A ProPrint poll has revealed that nearly three quarters of all printers say there needs to be legislation to fix the energy crisis that is happening in Australia.

Twelve per cent says legislation will not change a thing, nine per cent says they do not think legislation will help, whilel six per cent say even if it did happen it probably will not change a thing.

At the same time Andrew Macaulay, CEO, PIAA, led a debate at the General Council of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) where there has been a substantial change in ACCI policy position on energy security, resulting in a policy to seek immediate and concerted government action to bring down energy costs.

[Related: Printers express concern to AusPost]

Macaulay says, “Energy security and affordability is the number one issue affecting industry in Australia, with a real threat to businesses and the jobs they provide. Printing Industries members are crying out in desperation at the crippling effect this has on their business and it is their voice we represent.

“Policy-makers need to realise that from an industry perspective, any concern about emissions takes a distant second place, well after concerns about unaffordable and unreliable energy supply bringing industry to its knees. This change in ACCI policy is a critical step in affecting instrumental change towards more secure and affordable energy given ACCI’s role in providing counsel on government policy.”

The General Council of the ACCI is the policy making body of ACCI that represents over 300,000 businesses across all sectors of the economy.

In early July, Andrew Macaulay, CEO at the PIAA told the ACCC the unsustainable increases in electricity prices and unreliable electricity supply are a serious and immediate threat to the survival of print businesses and print industry jobs.

Macaulay says one Melbourne printer in particular will see its bill rise from $120,000 to $360,000 once its contract expires at the end of the year.

He says the PIAA was the first to scrutinise the government over the energy crisis.

The ACCC is inquiring into the retail pricing and practices in the national electricity market with Treasurer Scott Morrison leading the investigation. A draft submission is due at the end of September with the full report in June, next year. 

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